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• All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata
• How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata's narrative unfolds across three distinct playthroughs. While the first two playthroughs share significant overlap, the third playthrough reveals substantial additional story content beyond the initial credits.

Although the game features three main playthroughs leading to multiple endings, some endings require specific character choices and actions. This guide details the three playable characters and the method for switching between them.

All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata

The core of NieR: Automata's story centers around 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S, partners in the narrative, command significant screen time depending on the playthrough. Each character boasts a unique combat style, adding depth to gameplay even with consistent plug-in chip configurations. While all three are playable, switching characters isn't always immediate.

How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata

Character selection is predetermined during the initial playthroughs:

• Playthrough 1: 2B
• Playthrough 2: 9S
• Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2 (switching as the story progresses).

Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select mode, enabling character selection. This mode allows revisiting any of the game's 17 chapters. Numbers displayed to the right of the screen indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character shows numbers for a chapter, that chapter can be replayed as that character.

Note that later chapters, particularly in playthrough 3, restrict character choices. Chapter Select allows character changes but requires navigating to story points where that character was originally playable. Saving before chapter changes ensures progress carries over, allowing shared level progression across all three characters.